031 | The Future of Training: Revolutionizing Athletic Performance with Alex Hubelbank
The MTB Performance Project
In this episode of the MTB Performance Project, Mickey sits down with Alex Hubelbank, a physical therapist and performance coach who has carved out a unique career path in the world of professional sports and human performance. Alex shares her unconventional journey from working at Apple for four years to becoming a PT and eventually landing roles in professional sports, including the NBA. Her story demonstrates how non-linear career paths can actually provide valuable skills and perspectives that traditional routes might miss. Throughout the conversation, Alex discusses the importance...
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030 | Training Is Healthcare with Katie Dabrowski
The MTB Performance Project
In this episode of The MTB Performance Podcast, host Mickey Bruckner sits down with Katie Dabrowski, partner at Old Bull Athletics in Miami, to explore how the lines between training and healthcare are disappearing. Katie shares her journey from starting a small PT practice to building a thriving cash-based facility where you can't tell if someone is there for rehab or performance training. We explore practical strategies for working with clients in pain, the psychology behind fear during the injury rehabilitation process, and how to find "entry points" for challenging...
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029 | Inside Freak Strength: Coaching, Bodywork, and Building a Business
The MTB Performance Project
In this episode of the MTB Performance Project, host Mickey Bruckner sits down with Mike Guadango, owner of Freak Strength in New Jersey, fellow podcaster, and coach to elite athletes at all stages of their careers. Mike shares his journey from aspiring chiropractor to becoming a performance coach who integrates bodywork, acupuncture, and auto-regulated training into his unique methodology. They dive into how Mike’s early injuries led him to a career in performance and healing, and why he prioritizes fascial stretching, acupuncture, and hands-on therapy over traditional physical therapy. He...
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028 | The Future of Performance PT: A Conversation with Mike Reinhardt
The MTB Performance Project
In this episode of the MTB Performance Project, host Mickey Bruckner sits down with performance physical therapist Mike Reinhardt to explore the intersection of rehab and athletic performance. Mike shares his journey from strength training enthusiast to PT, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between clinical rehab and sport-specific training. He discusses collaborative strategies for PTs and strength coaches, data-driven KPIs (like limb symmetry and force plates), and the pitfalls of overtraining or undertraining athletes. Mike also shares his passion for mentorship through...
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027 | The Power of Positioning: Chris Guarin on Posture & Performance
The MTB Performance Project
In this episode, host Mickey Bruckner interviews Chris Guarin, a performance coach and founder of Guarin Posture Performance in California. Chris shares his journey into strength and conditioning, sparked by a love for sports and shaped through personal injuries. Over time, his work expanded from athletic performance to a specialized focus on posture and movement. The conversation highlights Chris’s commitment to continuous learning and his belief in the power of context, in both coaching and life. His story offers valuable takeaways for young coaches: stay curious, build strong...
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026 | A Coach's Journey of Service and Growth with Bobby Whyte
The MTB Performance Project
In this episode of the MTB Performance Project, Bobby Whyte shares his powerful journey from a self-doubting college athlete battling addiction to a respected coach and founder of Good Drills. He discusses how hitting rock bottom led him to rediscover purpose through service and sport, and how that transformation now shapes everything he does—on and off the court. Bobby breaks down his coaching philosophy rooted in honesty, environment, and athlete development over gimmicks or hype. He also talks about launching Good Drills, growing an online business, and how leaning into discomfort became...
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025 | Built Around the Athlete: Smarter Coaching with Sean Smith
The MTB Performance Project
Sean Smith joins the podcast to break down what it really means to coach with purpose. With experience spanning NCAA Division I athletics and IndyCar, Sean emphasizes the importance of meeting athletes where they are, building real relationships, and coaching with intention. He dives into how to maximize limited off-seasons, why in-season training is essential, and how he uses force plate data and athlete feedback to build smarter, more responsive programs. Whether you're in the weight room or working remotely, Sean’s insights highlight how clarity, communication, and context shape long-term...
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024 | Redefining Performance: Integrating Strength & Therapy with Danny Foley
The MTB Performance Project
In this episode, Danny Foley—founder of Rude Rock Strength and coach with Altis—shares his evolving approach to performance training. He walks us through his journey from traditional strength and conditioning to a more integrated model that blends injury rehab, performance optimization, and fascial-based training. Danny reflects on how his time working with Navy SEALs at VHP shaped his current philosophy and makes the case for closing the gap between strength and therapy to better serve athletes. From NFL combine prep to fascia-informed loading, this conversation is packed with insights on...
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023 | From Strength Coach to Co-Owner: John O’Neill on Building a Career in Sports Performance
The MTB Performance Project
Ever wonder what it really takes to turn a passion for coaching into a leadership role at a top-tier training facility? In this episode, John O’Neill—co-owner of Cressey Sports Performance—shares his evolution from a young coach to a strategic leader shaping athlete development and company culture. You’ll hear how mentorship, mindset shifts, and mastering every role from intern to executive helped John build a sustainable career in sports performance. He unpacks the realities of youth athletics, the business behind great training environments, and why empathy and leadership matter just...
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022 | Turning Struggles into Strength: Andy McCloy’s Journey to Building a Thriving Gym
The MTB Performance Project
Andy McCloy’s path in strength and conditioning is a masterclass in turning obstacles into opportunity. In this episode of the MTB Performance Project, he shares how his passion for training led him from personal struggles to building BCI Sports Performance, a thriving facility in Alabama. Andy emphasizes the importance of clarity, ego management, and continuous learning in both coaching and business. He dives into the realities of running a gym, debunking the myth of overnight success and stressing the need for long-term vision, strong leadership, and a well-defined philosophy. Now,...
info_outlineIn this week's episode I am joined by ANNEX Sports' Director of Performance, Damien Akins.
As we approach yet another off season for our baseball players, Damien and I discuss what early off-season training looks like for our athletes at The ANNEX, how we go about assessing athletes post their season, and what we focus on early in the off season for our ball players.
These are efforts we utilize with both our amateur through professional level athletes.
Below are time stamps for specific topics throughout the episode:
2:05 - Context of what we are talking about today
2:50 - Post-season Assessment process
7:50 - Professional athlete considerations in the assessment process and needs analysis
15:09 - "Big Rocks" of Early Off Season training for our ball players
20:35 - Breaking down Early Off Season for High School ball players
22:50 - Constraints-based approach to managing sprint velocities
26:40 - Athletes "earn the right to run fast."
30:00 - Approach to Early Off Season Conditioning and aerobic capacity work
38:40 - Workload management outside of the weight room and how to mix in skill work throughout the off season
46:11 - The importance of leveraging lifestyle management (sleep & nutrition) in order to maximize your efforts in the training and development process
If you wish to follow Damien on social media he can be found on instagram at @sterlingstrength and @annexsports
Thank you for listening and supporting the show!
Best,
MTB